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Does having a second child make that much of a difference?

My life pretty much revolves around baby’s life right now, so I’m not sure how different things will be once a second child comes along. What are the differences between having one child and having two children?

Re: My life pretty much revolves around baby’s life right now, so I’m not sure how different things will be once a second child comes along. What are the differences between having one child and having two children?

The Bump Expert

Remember the "you should be sleeping while your infant is sleeping" rule everyone told you to follow the first time around? Well, when you have a toddler too, all bets are off. Your chances to clock a little naptime are few and far between (except the rare occasion when they’re napping simultaneously). It takes time and hard work before their schedules mesh, but eventually you’ll get in a rhythm.

And that's just the beginning of the differences. Your toddler will probably feel insecure or jealous and demand extra attention from you. And, at the same time, you may also feel guilty because you’re not giving the new baby as much attention as you gave your first child. But don't forget that your older child will also be there to fill in the blanks by lavishing the new baby with some extra attention himself.

But there is a bright side: Before your first baby was born, you probably felt nervous about becoming a mom -- but this time around, you're already a mom. You can feel more confident in your parenting skills now that you’ve had some time to hone them.

The Bump Editors

Does having a second child make that much of a difference?

My oldest boy kind of acted out right before his little brother was born, but now the transition is kind of easy, ecspecially now that one's at school. Two is just slightly :)

MaLvAiNiE |

Does having a second child make that much of a difference?

My first was 2.5 yrs when our second little girl was born. Its rough and tough, potty training accomplishments went out the window again, not only did the older one not want to go anymore but trying to take 20 min out every few hours just wasn't happening. My 2.5 yr old which may just be that phase became very agressive, bossy, and tons of backtalk. She constantly wanted attention and every second I need juice, I need a snack, I want to read, I want to play... that on top of the second one crying and screaming non stop was beyond overwhelming. They never napped together until almost 4 months, so mom and dad got no sleep. Not to mention the splitting of duties then one gets the older, one gets the younger so we then never saw eachother. My husband was frustrated because the baby screamed at the sight and attention of him, often leaving me to the constant screaming, meanwhile he was short and frustrated with the older one who I felt I was constantly disciplining or pushing away and ultimately never really getting to see or snuggle. My husband was also then frustrated because his previous daddy's girl now only wanted mommy too. There was just no winning. From everyone I spoke to they said it doesn't really get any better with a greater age difference and friends who waited 5-6 yrs between says that could almost be worse. Just trying to survive and get past what we hope will be a bump spot in the road.

CSW1134 |